Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Windscribe and IPVanish are both robust VPN services, but they cater to different user needs. Windscribe, based in Canada, scores higher in our ratings with 57.5% against IPVanish’s 48.5%. It offers a double VPN feature and ad-blocking, which IPVanish lacks. Both services support unlimited simultaneous connections and strong encryption. However, IPVanish, based in the United States, outperforms Windscribe in terms of server count, offering over 2,200 servers compared to Windscribe’s 120. The monthly cost of IPVanish is slightly higher, but it offers a more affordable long-term subscription. Both VPNs have a no-logging policy and offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Considering these factors, if privacy and ad-free browsing are your top priorities, Windscribe would be a better choice.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: Windscribe vs IPVanish
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $2.49/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $12.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-128, AES-256, and ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, PPTP, and SSTP |
| Servers | 120 | 2,200 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 53 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | – | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & Email | 24/7 Live Chat, and Phone call |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: IPVanish Better
IPVanish positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $12.99/mo for month-to-month contract and a much cheaper $2.49/mo for those who are willing to subscribe in long term.
In comparison, Windscribe sets its price higher at $12/mo for monthly subscribers and $2.49/mo for those who are willing to commit to a 12-month contract.
Based on our market research, the average cost of VPN is $3.56/mo with a commitment period of 21 months. You should consider whether the additional features and services offered by Windscribe justify the higher cost, especially when comparing it to other available options that might offer similar services at a more economical rate.
IPVanish Plans
Windscribe Plans
Jurisdiction: Tie (Equally Bad)
Both Windscribe and IPVanish are based in 14-Eye Alliance countries – which means the company may be obligated to retent your data and share them with gorvenment bodies. If you are handling sensitive information or require maximum data privacy – you should avoid both companies and look for VPNs in countries with a lower risk of government-led surveillance and data sharing
Understanding the 14-Eyes Alliance and Its Privacy Implications
The 14-Eyes Alliance, an expansion of the Five- and Nine-Eyes intelligence collaborations, includes countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and several European nations. These member states are known for their extensive surveillance activities, as highlighted by disclosures from figures like Edward Snowden (watch video below). Such surveillance extends to the sharing of collected data among member countries.
The presence of a VPN provider in a 14-Eyes country could mean legal obligations to surrender user data to government entities, with the potential for this data to circulate among the alliance members. This surveillance culture not only compromises personal privacy but also raises concerns about digital security, particularly with the push for encryption backdoors.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: IPVanish Better
The size of a VPN’s server fleet plays a crucial role in determining user experience. A larger fleet generally provides faster speeds, greater reliability, wider geographical coverage, lower latency, and potentially enhanced privacy. On the other hand, a smaller server fleet might lead to slower speeds, higher latency, limited content access, and potential privacy concerns.
In term of server counts, IPVanish stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 5,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In comparison, Windscribe maintains a more modest server presence, with only 120 servers across 69 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Windscribe, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of IPVanish not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: IPVanish Better
IPVanish offers a substantial sense of security to its users through a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. This affords new users plenty of time to comprehensively evaluate its services.
Conversely, Windscribe proposes a shorter duration (just 3 days!) for its money-back guarantee. Although this briefer period still presents a chance to test the service, it could be a factor for those users who favor an extended trial to thoroughly ascertain the VPN’s suitability for their specific requirements.
* According to our market study, the average money-back guarantee period in the industry is approximately 25.68 days.
Simultaneous Connections:Tie
Both IPVanish and Windscribe offer a respectable large number of simultaneous connections – which makes both VPNs particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection.
Double VPN Feature: Windscribe Better
Windscribe stands out with its double VPN feature, somethingIPVanish lacks. If staying completely anonymous online is your top priority, then Windscribe is the better choice for you.
Double VPN is a special security feature not often seen in VPNs. Of the 96 VPNs we studied, only 26 have it. Usually, data goes through just one VPN server. But with double VPN, your data travels through two servers, adding more security and keeping you more anonymous. This means it’s much harder for hackers to get to your data, as it’s encrypted twice.
Ad Blocking Feature: Windscribe Better
When comparing the two VPNs, ad blocking capabilities is a key distinction.Windscribe incorporates an ad blocker within its service, significantly improving the user’s browsing experience by filtering out intrusive advertisements and protecting against possible malware threats. Conversely, IPVanish lacks an ad blocking function – which is a potential disadvantage for users who value a streamlined and ad-free online experience. This difference is crucial for users to evaluate based on their preferences for online safety and browsing convenience.
Bottomline
In conclusion, IPVanish offers an affordable option with a vast server network and a generous money-back guarantee, making it an ideal choice for users prioritizing cost-effectiveness and extensive geographic coverage. On the other hand, Windscribe, with its double VPN and ad-blocking features, is better suited for users seeking enhanced online security and a seamless, ad-free browsing experience.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use ourWindscribe and IPVanish comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About Windscribe & IPVanish
IPVanish
IPVanish, established in 2012, is based in the United States. The service is known for its strong security features, including AES-256 encryption, and a strict no-logs policy. IPVanish offers a wide network of servers globally and is compatible with various devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Fire TV.
To learn more, read our IPVanish review.
Windscribe
Windscribe is a cross-platform, commercial VPN provider based in Canada. The company was founded by Yegor Sak and Alex Paguis in 2016. It offers unlimited, simultaneous connections, and its privacy policy promotes the service as a no-log VPN. Windscribe is known for its exceptional commitment to social responsibility, particularly around issues of censorship in authoritarian regimes. For example, it provided expanded bandwidth free accounts to everyone affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Windscribe has also offered free and unlimited service to all journalists in the region, and subsequently combatting Russian blocks that aimed to render these efforts fruitless.
To learn more, read our Windscribe review.